“Recovery of chicory market could be a bit more gradual”

The sales of chicory are continuing undiminished. “And we in the Netherlands always respond a bit slower than those abroad. In France and Belgium prices were a bit higher for a few weeks now,” says saleswoman Kristha Heibrink from Kwekerij LOF from Espel. “But we’re definitely not complaining with prices around 1 to 1.10 euro. However, because of the sudden recovery, we sometimes notice some resistance towards the high prices. Because of that, it could sometimes be a bit more gradual.”

Chicory nursery LOF supplies to both retailers, wholesalers, exporters and fresh produce specialists. “We’re completely in production right now, but we also have a good demand. Because we supply many permanent customers, our weekly production fills out well. Demand on the domestic market is good, but much chicory is sent to Italy and the US by exporters as well,” Kristha explains.

She expects supply and prices to stabilise in coming weeks. “The market’s always a bit trickier towards the summer holidays, but chicory is used in salads increasingly often, and combined with the slightly lower supply, it will all even out. Sales of radicchio are going well. That market had a bit of a slump, but has stabilised by now.”